Los Angeles Day Trip: Chinatown

Find luck and balance in L.A.’s Chinatown

Article by Vanessa McGrady

Why go now: Celebrate Chinese New Year by trying something new.

Main streets: Broadway and Hill Street Get the lay of the land: Download a free neighborhood map (angelswalkla.org/walks_china town.html). You’ll see Bruce Lee’s former studio and the Dynasty Center for designer knockoffs.

Brush up on local film lore: Watch Roman Polanski’s Chinatown.

Get a fiery start to the year: Thousands of firecrackers will ward off evil spirits and signal the start of the Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker Run (from $30; firecracker10k.org).